3D printing is an emerging technology that is revolutionizing the way physical objects are created. Currently, this technology can use more than 250 different materials, 100 times faster than traditional ones and with 90% material efficiency. This tool allows you to manufacture complex parts with a wide range of functionalities and a complete visualization in three dimensions.
the future of 3D modeling is promising both at a business and daily level, since it is expected that in the near future all industries and homes will use this type of design, thanks to the advances that are being developed. Specifically, it is estimated that in 5-10 years each house will have a 3D printer, just as today there is a refrigerator. In addition, the first devices capable of printing in color have already been launched, allowing you to choose from a range of 16 million shades.
According to a Canalys report, in the first quarter of 2022, 26,800 3D printers were supplied worldwide. To date, the business segment has been the main focus, and according to his estimates, an annual growth of 20% is expected for the next 3-4 years until stabilizing. It is because of that Felix Orjales, professor of the online school specialized in industrial training MINT, declares that “3D modeling is used in most industries, especially those related to the design and manufacture of objects. 3D programs are becoming more and more intuitive and the visualization of the models has been improved. Years ago, viewing was limited to a screen, and today it is possible to view it through virtual reality glasses, making the experience more immersive, working with models very close to the final result”.
The sectors that already use 3D printing
Today there are already many sectors that make use of three-dimensional printing. This is due to the ease of access to this equipment, which is why various areas are betting on this technology. MINT, the school for those who want to be part of the future of the industrial sector, has drawn up a list of the most popular sectors that use 3D printing for the development of their activity.
- Education. 3D printers in education offer great potential, as it allows things to be displayed in a visually appealing and easy-to-understand way. Using 3D models, certain concepts, physical or chemical phenomena can be more easily explained to students of all ages. It is expected that in the coming years this tool will spread throughout the world, and that, just as computers and interactive whiteboards entered the classroom a decade ago, 3D printers will now also do so. Madrid, Extremadura, Galicia and the Canary Islands have already requested 3D printers for their subsidized and private schools.
- Health. This technique allows healthcare professionals the possibility of manufacturing custom-made prostheses after scanning the affected area and generating a 3D model that perfectly fits each patient using additive manufacturing technologies. This makes it possible to reduce the period of adaptation to the prosthesis and the cost, in addition to being biocompatible and minimally invasive for the human organism. The medical team at the CS Mott Children’s Hospital of the University of Michigan (USA) has saved the lives of three babies with a respiratory disease thanks to implants made with 3D printers.
- automotive. In the automotive sector, work is done with specific programs for 3D modeling focused on handling surfaces. In this way, the lines of the vehicle can be controlled and the surface can be modified and adjusted as necessary. This eliminates the need to make various models of the final design, thus streamlining the production process. This technique allows reducing costs, time and weight in the production of complex parts, as well as greater design customization. With this significant growth, the American research firm SmarTech Publishing forecasts that by 2028 figures of 12.4 billion euros will be reached in terms of revenue in this sector.
